Of all of the churches on the slopes of Mount Olive, this one is the most eye-catching, even if technically not exceedingly important from the historic point of view. Well worth a stop.
Church of Mary Magdalene
One of the more distinctive churches dotting the slopes of the Mount of Olives is the Church of Mary Magdalene, a Russian Orthodox church built in 1886 by Czar Alexander III in honor of his mother, Russian Empress Maria Alexandrovna. The church was constructed in the traditional Russian style of the 16th and 17th centuries, with seven gilded onion domes.
There are many icons on display at the church, which also holds the remains of two martyred Orthodox saints, the Russian Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and her fellow nun, Varvara Yakovleva. Princess Alice of Greece, the Grand Duchess’s niece and the mother-in-law of Queen Elizabeth II, noted for rescuing Jews from the clutches of the Nazis in Greece, is also buried there.
Photos courtesy of Ministry of Tourism, by Noam Chen
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 118 traveler reviewsNew
“Gorgeous Russian Orthodox Church”
“An iconic church on Mount of Olives”
This is the church that always stands out on the side of the Mount of Olives when looking from the old city, because of its glistening golden Russian onion domes and crosses. It is a Russian Orthodox women's monastery near the Garden of Gethsemane. Access is gained through a small door in the wall...
MoreThis is the church that always stands out on the side of the Mount of Olives when looking from the old city, because of its glistening golden Russian onion domes and crosses. It is a Russian Orthodox women's monastery near the Garden of Gethsemane. Access is gained through a small door in the wall by ringing the bell and waiting to be let in. We had no problem as we were a group of Orthodox pilgrims, but I understand that access may be limited--check ahead. The church is a typical Russian church but very beautiful, and the grounds are beautiful gardens. The church holds the relics of Russian Grand Duchess Elizabeth and her fellow nun Barbara, who were martyrs of the Russian Revolution. Be warned that there are many steps leading up the side of the hill to the church. Well worth a visit if you can.
Less“Beautiful”
Truly beautiful golden domes on mount of olives that can be seen for many miles around. Well kept Russian Orthodox church with lovely gardens. Restricted visiting hours